Eddie Jones Urges World Rugby to Investigate ‘Ridiculous’ Surge in Red and Yellow Cards
- Eddie Jones has expressed frustration over the increasing frequency of red and yellow cards in international matches
- The Springboks have had several players red-carded in recent weeks, raising questions about officiating
- Jones has called on World Rugby to review how disciplinary sanctions are being applied
As the Springboks contend with a spate of red cards issued over consecutive weekends, concerns have grown about the consistency and severity of disciplinary sanctions in international rugby.
Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert were both sent off in separate matches, prompting debate within the rugby community.
Source: Getty Images
Former England coach and current Japan head coach, Eddie Jones, has added his voice to the growing discontent, urging World Rugby to investigate what he described as an “out of control” trend.
In Japan’s narrow 24-23 defeat, the Brave Blossoms faced multiple sin-bin incidents. Epineri Uluiviti received a yellow card for striking Alex Mann off the ball, while Faulua Makisi spent 10 minutes on the sideline following a poorly judged tackle on Dan Edwards.
Debutant Harry Hockings was also yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle, and Wales’ Josh Adams saw his yellow card upgraded to red after a high-impact clearout.
Speaking at the Principality Stadium, Jones did not hold back, criticising officiating decisions and questioning whether the sanctions reflect the spirit of the game.
Jones slams ‘farcical’ decisions
Jones emphasised that the scoreboard ultimately told the story, congratulating Wales and coach Steve Tandy on their well-earned win.
However, he expressed frustration over repeated sin-bin incidents, calling the situation “almost farcical” and claiming it is “absolutely ruining the game of rugby.” He maintained that many of the actions in question were not reckless, though he acknowledged that penalties were appropriate.
The head coach also targeted the Welsh Rugby Union with a pointed remark, highlighting the impact of repeated dismissals:
“At one stage, we were down to 13 men, they got a red card, and they were down to 14 men. The game of rugby is about 15 players on the field, and I think World Rugby should be looking at this very closely. And if I were a fan, I'd be asking the Welsh Rugby Union for my money back, but they can't afford it, so they're not going to give it back.”
Jones comments on the Springboks' red cards
Jones also commented on Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy, noting that, unlike the incidents in Cardiff, the Springbok lock received a straight red for a challenge on Paolo Garbisi.
He explained that Mostert, standing 6ft 8in, was attempting to lower his height when his shoulder made contact with the Italian fly-half’s head, describing the decision to issue a red card as “becoming absurd.”
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Springboks await the outcome of appeals for the red cards issued to Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert during consecutive weekends of the Autumn Series.
The Bok camp has expressed concern, insisting both dismissals were unjust and highlighting ongoing questions over officiating standards in international rugby.
Emotional Springbok tribute brings Bryan Habana to tears
Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok great Bryan Habana was moved by a powerful compilation video celebrating the national team’s remarkable journey in recent years.
The clip, which runs for just over three minutes, captures some of the most defining moments from the Springboks’ modern era, a period marked by unity, resilience, and two successive Rugby World Cup triumphs under Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi.
Source: Briefly News
